Chris Hardwick is returning to hosting duties at AMC after being suspended while the network conducted an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dkystra. AMC has announced that Hardwick will return as host of “Talking Dead” on August 12, 2018.
On June 14, 2018, actress/model Dykstra posted an essay on Medium claiming that an unnamed ex-boyfriend (who was obviously Hardwick) inflicted sexual and verbal abuse on her during their relationship. Dykstra and Hardwick dated from 2011 to 2014. Hardwick, 47, denied the allegations, but AMC suspended him and his talk show “Talking With Chris Hardwick” (which had been scheduled to premiere that month) while conducting the investigation. In the aftermath of the allegations, Hardwick had his scheduled appearances (including moderating AMC panels) cancelled at Comic-Con International in San Diego and the San Diego Music-Comedy Festival. After Dykstra (who is 29) made her accusations, Hardwick’s wife Lydia Hearst and his ex-girlfriends Jacinda Barrett, Janet Varney and Andrea Savage all made statements to publicly support him and declare that Hardwick is not abusive.
AMC issued this statement: “Following a comprehensive assessment by AMC, working with Ivy Kagan Bierman of the firm Loeb & Loeb, who has considerable experience in this area, Chris Hardwick will return to AMC as the host of ‘Talking Dead’ and ‘Talking with Chris Hardwick.’ We take these matters very seriously and given the information available to us after a very careful review, including interviews with numerous individuals, we believe returning Chris to work is the appropriate step.”
Actress/comedian Yvette Nicole Brown, a frequent “Talking Dead” guest, replaced Hardwick at Comic-Con as moderator of the AMC panels that he would normally moderate. She will be a guest host of “Talking Dead” when the show returns on Aug. 5, 2018.
Hardwick also hosts the NBC game show “The Wall.” NBC said it would investigate Dysktra’s allegations, and has made no further comment. It appears that NBC will keep him as host of “The Wall.”
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has announced the awards timetable for the 76th Annual Golden Globe® Awards. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 6, 2019 and nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 6, 2018.
Produced by dick clark productions in association with the HFPA, the Golden Globe Awards are viewed in more than 236 countries and territories worldwide and are one of the few awards ceremonies to include both motion picture and television achievements.
The deadline for Motion Picture and Television submissions is Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Submission website for 2019 Golden Globe Motion Picture and Television entries now open
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Deadline for submission of Golden Globe Motion Picture and Television entry forms
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Deadline for nomination ballots to be mailed to all HFPA members by Ernst & Young
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Final screening date for Motion Pictures
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Final date for Motion Picture press conferences, at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Deadline for receipt of nomination ballots by Ernst & Young, at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Announcement of nominations for the 76th Annual Golden Globe® Awards
Monday, December 17, 2018
Final ballots mailed to all HFPA members
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Deadline for receipt of final ballots by Ernst & Young, at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Presentation of the 76th Annual Golden Globe®Awards
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION:
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) was founded in 1943 as the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association (HFCA) by a group of entertainment journalists representing world media in Hollywood, who realized the need to unite and organize to gain the recognition and access to studios and talent accorded to the domestic press. All qualified journalists were accepted, with the bold goal of “Unity Without Discrimination of Religion or Race.” A year later, the HFCA created the Golden Globe Awards which, to this day, the entire membership selects, votes on and awards every year for outstanding achievements in motion pictures and television. This year marked the 75th anniversary of the Golden Globe Awards. Members of the HFPA represent 56 countries with a combined readership of 250 million in some of the world’s most respected publications. Each year, the organization holds the third most watched awards show on television, the Golden Globe® Awards, which has enabled the organization to donate more than $30 million to entertainment-related charities, scholarship programs and humanitarian efforts over the last 25 years. For more information, please visit www.GoldenGlobes.com and follow us on Twitter (@GoldenGlobes), Instagram (@GoldenGlobes), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/GoldenGlobes).
ABOUT dick clark productions:
dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance” from 19 Entertainment and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with over 60 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. dcp is a division of Valence Media, a diversified media company with divisions and strategic investments in premium television, wide release film, specialty film, live events and digital media. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.
Jane Lynch with Toast at ASPCA ‘Noseblind’ Event at 24th Street Loft in New York City on February 25, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
The following is a press release from NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations:
NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal, today announced its fourth annual pet adoption campaign Clear the Shelters™ returns next month with NBC’s Jane Lynch joining the pet adoption campaign as spokesperson and host of a special “Clear the Shelters” show that will air next month. Launching in August and culminating with Clear the Shelters™ day on Saturday, August 18, the fourth annual Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption campaign will include the participation of NBC and Telemundo stations in more than 70 markets plus more than 600 animal shelters and rescues. On Saturday, August 18, shelters and rescues will reduce or waive pet adoption fees to help families adopt a new pet.
“Clear the Shelters has become a memorable event that communities look forward to every summer. We’re excited to work with our shelters partners once again to help families find their perfect pet. We also look forward to working with Jane to help raise even more awareness about animals needing homes,” said Valari Staab, President, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.
An Emmy® Award and Golden Globe® Award winner, host of NBC’s hit show “Hollywood Game Night,” successful actor and advocate of pet adoption issues, Lynch has four rescue dogs of her own including her two 11-year old dogs “Millie” a Pit-Shepherd mix and “Bernice” a Cocker Spaniel, as well as one-year old Cocker Spaniel “Rumi” and “Arbuckle” a seven-year old Australian Cattle dog that is an internet and social media sensation with more than 71,000 followers on Instagram @allaboutarbuckle.
“I am so looking forward to clearing the shelters with NBC and Telemundo stations! Every pet deserves a loving human and nothing loves a human more than rescue pets!,” added Lynch.
This August, Lynch work with the NBC and Telemundo stations to help raise awareness about the fourth annual Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption campaign and the importance of pet adoption. Lynch will also host a special show that will recap this year’s pet campaign. The special show will air on NBC stations on August 25 (check local listings).
For more information and news about the NBC and Telemundo stations’ Clear the Shelters™ ® pet adoption campaign including participating shelters/rescues, visit CleartheShelters.com. You can also follow the effort on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #CleartheShelters. To access information in Spanish, please visit DesocuparlosAlbergues.com and follow #DesocuparlosAlbergues. Since 2015, more than 150,000 pets have been adopted through Clear the Shelters™, an initiative spearheaded by NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. Clear the Shelters™ is sponsored nationally by Cat’s Pride® and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
About NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations
NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations is the division of NBCUniversal that includes 38 NBC and Telemundo local television stations serving 26 markets, a regional news network and their associated websites and digital platforms, as well as a group of out-of-home properties, a production company, an in-house marketing and promotions company and two national multicast networks, COZI TV and TeleXitos. The local stations, which can be viewed in 37 percent of U.S. homes and in Puerto Rico, produce and deliver their local communities compelling and unique local news, real-time weather forecasts, consumer and investigative reports and entertainment programming across all platforms to help keep their English and Spanish-speaking audiences informed anytime and anywhere.
Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington in “Game of Thrones” (Photo courtesy of HBO)
The following is a press release from the Television Academy:
Nominations for the 70th Emmy Awards were announced today by the Television Academy in a ceremony hosted by Television Academy Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington along with Samira Wiley from the Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale and Ryan Eggold from NBC’s upcoming drama, New Amsterdam.
“It’s been another record-breaking year with more than 9,100 entries in 122 unique categories for the initial nomination round of voting,” said Washington. “The continued growth of the industry has provided opportunities for acclaimed new programs to emerge, while allowing last season’s break-through programs to thrive. In addition, 36 performers — ranging from new discoveries to revered international stars — have received their first-ever acting Emmy nomination across all categories of scripted programming. We are honored to recognize both television’s seasoned veterans and rising talents.
“This year’s nominations continue to represent increased diversity and inclusion in front of the camera. And, there is a wealth of new and returning programs that reflect so many of today’s critical issues.”
Among this year’s eight Outstanding Comedy Series nominees, there are three first-timers representing an exceptional range of storytelling. Freshman shows Barry, GLOW and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel join returning hits Atlanta, black-ish, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Silicon Valley and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
The nominations in Outstanding Drama Series were again spread over distribution platforms, with returning nominees The Americans (FX) and Game Of Thrones (HBO) joining all of last season’s new nominees The Crown (Netflix), The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Stranger Things (Netflix), This Is Us (NBC), and Westworld (HBO).
Nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series include first-time Emmy nominee Issa Rae and category freshman Rachel Brosnahan, who join previous category nominees Pamela Adlon, Allison Janney, Tracee Ellis Ross and Lily Tomlin. Bill Hader is new to the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category, Ted Danson and Larry David return to the category this season, joining last year’s nominees Anthony Anderson, Donald Glover and William H. Macy.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominees Jason Bateman, Ed Harris and Jeffrey Wright are new to the category, joining returning nominees Sterling K. Brown, Matthew Rhys and Milo Ventimiglia. Sandra Oh received her first Lead Actress in a Drama Series nomination, joined in the category by return nominees Claire Foy, Keri Russell and Evan Rachel Wood, and previous Emmy winners in this category, Tatiana Maslany and Elisabeth Moss.
Other notable first-time performer nominations include: Joseph Fiennes and Matt Smith, both for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series; Zazie Beetz and Betty Gilpin for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; and Letitia Wright for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. Aidy Bryant (Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series), Darren Criss (Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie), and Kenan Thompson (Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series) are also all first-time performer nominees, though each received a past Emmy nomination for Original Music and Lyrics. James Corden, whose previous four Emmy nods were shared for producing and hosting the 70th Annual Tony Awards, two The Late Late Show Primetime Carpool Karaoke Specials and The Late Late Show with James Corden, is nominated this year as Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. In addition, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara received a first-time Emmy nomination as Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.
Game Of Thrones had the most nominations (22) in all categories, followed by Saturday Night Live (21) and Westworld (21). Leading the nominations in totals by platform were Netflix (112), HBO (108) and NBC (78).
Multiple nominees include (but are not limited to) Jason Bateman for Ozark; Alex Borstein for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Family Guy; Sterling K. Brown for This Is Us and Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Jeff Daniels for The Looming Tower and Godless; Donald Glover for Atlanta and Saturday Night Live, Bill Hader for Barry and Saturday Night Live; Jane Lynch for Hollywood Game Night and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; Alex Berg for Barry and Silicon Valley; The Duffer Brothers for Stranger Things; Scott Frank for Godless; David Lynch for Twin Peaks; and, Amy Sherman-Palladino for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The Television Academy’s membership has increased this year to more than 25,000, of which 23,000+ are voting members. That body welcomed more than 1,000 new voting members this year. Final-round online voting begins August 13.
The complete list of Emmy nominations, media credential applications, and other Academy news are all available at Emmys.com.
The 70th Emmy Awards will telecast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, September 17, (8:00 – 11:00 PM ET/5:00 – 8:00 PM PT) on NBC. Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost and Michael Che will serve as co-hosts. The 70th Emmy Awards will be executive produced by Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live; The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon).
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will air Saturday, September 15 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FXX.
Here is a partial list of nominations for the 70th Emmy Awards:
Outstanding Drama Series
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
“Game of Thrones”
“This Is Us”
“The Crown”
“The Americans”
“Stranger Things”
“Westworld”
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Atlanta” (FX)
“Barry” (HBO)
“Black-ish” (ABC)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“GLOW” (Netflix)
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon)
“Silicon Valley” (HBO)
“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)
Outstanding Limited Series
“The Alienist”
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
“Genius: Picasso”
“Godless”
“Patrick Melrose”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Bateman (“Ozark”)
Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”)
Ed Harris (“Westworld”)
Matthew Rhys (“The Americans”)
Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us”)
Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld”)
Donald Glover (“Atlanta”)
Bill Hader (“Barry”)
Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”)
William H. Macy (“Shameless”)
Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
Ted Danson (“The Good Place”)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”)
Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”)
Allison Janney (“Mom”)
Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”)
Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Antonio Banderas (“Genius: Picasso”)
Darren Criss (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Benedict Cumberbatch (“Patrick Melrose”)
Jeff Daniels (“The Looming Tower”)
John Legend (“Jesus Christ Superstar”)
Jesse Plemons (“USS Callister”)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Laura Dern (“The Tale”)
Jessica Biel (“The Sinner”)
Michelle Dockery (“Godless”)
Edie Falco (“The Menendez Murders”)
Regina King (“Seven Seconds”)
Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Cult”)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”)
Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”)
Joseph Fiennes (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
David Harbour (“Stranger Things”)
Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”)
Matt Smith (“The Crown”)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Alexis Bledel (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”)
Ann Dowd (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Lena Headey (“Game of Thrones”)
Vanessa Kirby (“The Crown”)
Thandie Newton (“Westworld”)
Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Louie Anderson (“Baskets”)
Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live”)
Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta”)
Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”)
Henry Winkler (“Barry”)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”)
Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Aidy Bryant (“Saturday Night Live”)
Betty Gilpin (“GLOW”)
Leslie Jones (“Saturday Night Live”)
Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
Laurie Metcalf (“Roseanne”)
Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Jeff Daniels (“Godless”)
Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar”)
John Leguizamo (“Waco”)
Ricky Martin (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Edgar Ramirez (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Michael Stuhlbarg (“The Looming Tower”)
Finn Wittrock (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Sara Bareilles (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert”)
Penelope Cruz (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Judith Light (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)
Adina Porter (“American Horror Story: Cult”)
Merritt Wever (“Godless”)
Letitia Wright (“Black Museum” (Black Mirror))
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
F. Murray Abraham (“Homeland”)
Cameron Britton (“Mindhunter”)
Matthew Goode (“The Crown”)
Ron Cephas Jones (“This Is Us”)
Gerald McRaney (“This Is Us”)
Jimmi Simpson (“Westworld”)
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Viola Davis (“Scandal”)
Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Cherry Jones (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Diana Rigg (“Game of Thrones”)
Cicely Tyson (“How to Get Away With Murder”)
Samira Wiley (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Sterling K. Brown (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
Bryan Cranston (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
Donald Glover (“Saturday Night Live”)
Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live”)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
Katt Williams (“Atlanta”)
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”)
Tiffany Haddish (“Saturday Night Live”)
Jane Lynch (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Maya Rudolph (“The Good Place”)
Molly Shannon (“Will & Grace”)
Wanda Sykes (“Black-ish”)
Outstanding Reality Competition
“The Amazing Race”
“American Ninja Warrior”
“Project Runway”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
“Top Chef”
“The Voice”
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“Portlandia” (IFC)
“Drunk History” (Comedy Central)
“Tracey Ullman’s Show” (HBO)
“At Home with Amy Sedaris” (TruTV)
“I Love You, America” (Hulu)
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah”
“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live”
“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
“Late Late Show with James Corden Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
Outstanding Television Movie
“Fahrenheit 451” (HBO)
“Flint” (Lifetime)
“Paterno” (HBO)
“The Tale” (HBO)
“Black Mirror: USS Callister” (Netflix)
Outstanding Structured Reality Program
“Antiques Roadshow” (PBS)
“Fixer Upper” (HGTV)
“Lip Sync Battle” (Paramount)
“Queer Eye” (Netflix)
“Shark Tank” (ABC)
“Who Do You Think You Are?” (TLC)
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
“Born This Way” (A&E)
“Deadliest Catch” (Discovery)
“Intervention” (A&E)
“Naked and Afraid” (Discovery Channel)
“RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” (VH1)
“United Shades of America With W. Kamau Bell” (CNN)
Outstanding Host for Reality/Reality Competition Program
W. Kamau Bell (“United Shades of America With W. Kamau Bell”)
Ellen DeGeneres (“Ellen’s Game of Games”)
RuPaul Charles (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”)
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”)
Jane Lynch (“Hollywood Game Night”)
TV host/comedian Chris Hardwick, 47, has lost several of his shows and has had appearances cancelled after his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra accused him of sexually abusing her during their relationship, which lasted from 2011 to 2014. In an essay posted on Medium on June 14, 2018, Dykstra (who is 29) claimed that an unnamed ex-boyfriend forced her to have sex with him many times, and he was verbally abusive and controlling throughout their relationship. Dykstra (who is an actress and model) also claimed that after she and the ex-boyfriend broke up, he had her blacklisted from several companies in the entertainment industry. Although Hardwick was not named in the essay, the descriptions and timelines described in the essay make it clear that it is him. Dykstra (who is the daughter of Oscar-winning visual artist John Dykstra) also claims that she has audio and video to back up many of her claims.
Hardwick has denied the sexual assault allegations. He has been married to heiress Lydia Hearst since 2016. He issued this statement about Dykstra: “Our three-year relationship was not perfect — we were ultimately not a good match and argued — even shouted at each other — but I loved her, and did my best to uplift and support her as a partner and companion in any way and at no time did I sexually assault her. When we were living together, I found out that Chloe had cheated on me, and I ended the relationship. For several weeks after we broke up, she asked to get back together with me and even told me she wanted to have kids with me, ‘build a life’ with me and told me that I was ‘the one,’ but I did not want to be with someone who was unfaithful.”
Hardwick may not be a household name, but for more than 10 years, he has been a big star in the world of nerd culture, and he was a rising media star on a career path similar to Ryan Seacrest, who hosts several shows on multiple networks and platforms. Hardwick was the founder of Nerdist Industries, which he launched in February 2012, and sold to Legendary Entertainment in July 2012. Hardwick was CEO of Nerdist until his contract expired at the end of 2017. In the wake of the allegations, Nerdist has removed Hardwick’s name from its website and has disavowed the company’s previous association with him.
To sci-fi/comic-book fans, Hardwick was best known as the host of several talk shows on AMC, such as “Talking Dead” (an after-show for “The Walking Dead” and “Fear the Walking Dead”), “Talking Preacher” (an after-show for “Preacher”) and “Talking With Chris Hardwick.”
AMC issued this statement: “We have had a positive working relationship with Chris Hardwick for many years. We take the troubling allegations that surfaced yesterday very seriously. While we assess the situation, ‘Talking With Chris Hardwick’ will not air on AMC.”
Hardwick has also been a moderator at numerous high-profile panels and events at Comic-Con International in San Diego and other similar events. His appearances at this year’s Comic-Con International have been cancelled. He is also a stand-up comedian. His appearance at the 2018 San Diego Music-Comedy Festival has also been cancelled.
At NBC, Hardwick has hosted the game show “The Wall” since 2016. Hardwick also hosted NBC’s “The Red Nose Day Special” in 2017 and 2018. In a statement, NBC says it is reviewing Dykstra’s allegations and is “continuing to assess the situation and will take appropriate action based on the outcome.”
Prior to hosting “The Wall,” Hardwick hosted the Comedy Central game show “@ Midnight With Chris Hardwick” from 2013 to 2017. The show won two Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards (in 2015 and 2016) for Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Social TV Experience.
Hardwick first became known to national TV audiences as the host of MTV’s dating show “Singled Out,” which was on the air from 1995 to 1998.
July 25, 2018 UPDATE: AMC has ended Hardwick’s suspension and given him back his hosting duties after the network concluded its investigation into Dystra’s allegations. Click here for more details.
Taylor Swift at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
With six prizes each, Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar were the biggest winners at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, which were presented May 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Sheeran won the awards for Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, and Top Radio Song (for “Shape of You”). Lamar received the prizes for Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album (for “DAMN.”), Top Hot 100 Song (for “HUMBLE.”), and he won most of the awards in the rap categories. The show was hosted by Kelly Clarkson, who is a judge on NBC’s “The Voice.” Clarkson began the show with an emotional plea to end gun violence: “Instead of doing a moment of silence, why don’t we do a moment of action? Why don’t we do a moment of change? Why don’t we change what’s happening? Because it’s horrible!”
Sheeran, who is on tour, did not attend the show, since he was performing in Ireland, but he did give a pre-recorded acceptance speech that was shown after he was named Top Artist. Lamar also was not at the ceremony.
Bruno Mars won five awards (mostly in the R&B categories), while the collaboration of Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Beiber on the smash hit single “Despacito” also garnered them five Billboard Music Awards.
Other winners of multiple awards included Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, Imagine Dragons, the Chainsmokers, Chris Stapleton, Ozuna and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Sheeran, Lamar and Mars went into the ceremony with the most nominations: 15 each.
Janet Jackson received the 2018 Billboard Music Awards ICON Award and performed for the first time on television in nine years. In her acceptance speech, Jackson referred to God several times as being the origin of everything that is good. Other performers on the show included BTS, Clarkson, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Sheeran (who performed via satellite) and Dua Lipa. Several artists teamed up for their Billboard Music Awards performances, including Christina Aguilera featuring Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello and Pharrell Williams, Khalid & Normani, Jennifer Lopez featuring DJ Khaled, Macklemore and Kesha, Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue, Shawn Mendes & Khalid and Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey.
Presenters included Mars, Hailey Baldwin, Tyra Banks, Alison Brie, The Chainsmokers, Ciara, Andy Cohen, Simon Cowell, Darren Criss, Halsey, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Justin Hartley, Chrissy Metz, Nick Jonas, DJ Mustard, Chloe Kim, Mila Kunis, Padma Lakshmi, Des Linden, Julia Michaels, French Montana, Ne-Yo, Derek Hough, Jenna Dewan, Bebe Rexha, Evan Ross, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Grace VanderWaal and Rebel Wilson.
The Billboard Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The finalists and award winners are determined using data reflecting a 12-month tracking period. (Exceptions are the Billboard Chart Achievement Award and the Social Award, which are voted for online by fans.)The awards are based on the reporting period of April 8, 2017 through March 31, 2018.
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards were produced by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman and Robert Deaton were executive producers.
Here are the nominees and winners of the 2018 Billboard Music Awards:
*=winners
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars Ed Sheeran*
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist:
21 Savage
Camila Cabello
Cardi B Khalid*
Kodak Black
Billboard Chart Achievement Award (voted for by fans): Camila Cabello*
Cardi B
Drake
Sam Hunt
Ed Sheeran
Top Male Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone Ed Sheeran*
Top Female Artist:
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Halsey
Demi Lovato Taylor Swift*
Top Duo/Group:
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay Imagine Dragons*
Migos
U2
Top Billboard 200 Artist: Drake*
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Chris Stapleton
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist:
Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone Ed Sheeran*
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Cardi B
Drake Kendrick Lamar*
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
Top Song Sales Artist:
Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone Ed Sheeran*
Top Radio Songs Artist:
Halsey
Imagine Dragons
Bruno Mars
Charlie Puth Ed Sheeran*
Top Social Artist (voted for by fans):
Justin Bieber BTS*
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Shawn Mendes
Top Touring Artist:
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran U2*
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Khalid Bruno Mars*
SZA
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist:
Khalid Bruno Mars*
The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist:
Beyoncé
Rihanna SZA*
Top R&B Tour: Bruno Mars*
Lionel Richie
The Weeknd
Top Rap Artist:
Drake Kendrick Lamar*
Lil Uzi Vert
Migos
Post Malone
Top Rap Male Artist:
Drake Kendrick Lamar*
Post Malone
Top Rap Female Artist:
Bhad Bhabie Cardi B*
Nicki Minaj
Top Rap Tour:
J. Cole JAY-Z*
Kendrick Lamar
Top Country Artist:
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton*
Top Country Male Artist:
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton*
Top Country Female Artist:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert Maren Morris*
Top Country Duo/Group Artist: Florida Georgia Line*
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Top Country Tour: Luke Bryan*
Florida Georgia Line
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Top Rock Artist: Imagine Dragons*
Linkin Park
Portugal. The Man
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
twenty one pilots
Top Rock Tour:
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses U2*
Top Latin Artist:
J Balvin
Daddy Yankee
Luis Fonsi Ozuna*
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist: The Chainsmokers*
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
ODESZA
Top Christian Artist:
Elevation Worship
Hillsong UNITED
Hillsong Worship MercyMe*
Zach Williams
Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy
Travis Greene
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise Tasha Cobbs Leonard*
Tamela Mann
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album:
Drake “More Life” Kendrick Lamar “DAMN.”*
Post Malone “Stoney”
Ed Sheeran “÷ (Divide)”
Taylor Swift “reputation”
Top Selling Album:
Kendrick Lamar “DAMN.”
P!nk “Beautiful Trauma”
Ed Sheeran “÷ (Divide)”
Chris Stapleton “From A Room: Volume 1” Taylor Swift “reputation”*
Top Soundtrack:
“Black Panther”
“The Fate of the Furious: The Album”
“The Greatest Showman”
“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2” “Moana”*
Top R&B Album:
Khalid “American Teen” Bruno Mars “24K Magic”*
SZA “Ctrl”
The Weeknd “Starboy”
XXXTENTACION “17”
Top Rap Album:
Drake “More Life” Kendrick Lamar “DAMN.”*
Lil Uzi Vert “Luv Is Rage 2”
Migos “Culture”
Post Malone “Stoney”
Top Country Album:
Kane Brown “Kane Brown”
Luke Combs “This One’s For You”
Thomas Rhett “Life Changes” Chris Stapleton “From A Room: Volume 1”*
Brett Young “Brett Young”
Top Rock Album: Imagine Dragons “Evolve”*
Linkin Park “One More Light”
Panic! At The Disco “Death Of A Bachelor”
Portugal. The Man “Woodstock”
U2 “Songs of Experience”
Top Latin Album:
Nicky Jam “Fénix”
Christian Nodal “Me Dejé Llevar” Ozuna “Odisea”*
Romeo Santos “Golden”
Shakira “El Dorado”
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Avicii “AVĪCI (01)” The Chainsmokers “Memories…Do Not Open”*
Calvin Harris “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1”
Kygo “Stargazing”
ODESZA “A Moment Apart”
Top Christian Album:
Elevation Worship “There Is A Cloud”
Hillsong UNITED “Wonder”
Hillsong Worship “Let There Be Light” Alan Jackson “Precious Memories Collection”*
MercyMe “Lifer”
Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy “A Long Way From Sunday”
Travis Greene “Crossover: Live From Music City”
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise “You Deserve It” Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.”*
Marvin Sapp “Close”
SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song:
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito” Kendrick Lamar “HUMBLE.”*
Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage “Rockstar”
Ed Sheeran “Shape Of You”
Top Streaming Song (Audio): Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito”*
Kendrick Lamar “HUMBLE.”
Lil Uzi Vert “XO TOUR Llif3”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage “Rockstar”
Post Malone ft. Quavo “Congratulations”
Top Streaming Song (Video):
Cardi B “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito”*
Lil Pump “Gucci Gang”
Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like”
Ed Sheeran “Shape of You”
Top Selling Song: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito”*
Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road”
Imagine Dragons “Believer”
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Ed Sheeran “Perfect”
Top Radio Song:
The Chainsmokers & Coldplay “Something Just Like This”
Imagine Dragons “Believer”
Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like”
Charlie Puth “Attention” Ed Sheeran “Shape of You”*
Top Collaboration:
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug “Havana”
The Chainsmokers & Coldplay “Something Just Like This” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito”*
French Montana ft. Swae Lee “Unforgettable”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage “Rockstar”
Top R&B Song:
Childish Gambino “Redbone”
DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller “Wild Thoughts”
Khalid “Young Dumb & Broke” Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like”*
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B “Finesse”
Top Rap Song:
Cardi B “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper & Lil Wayne “I’m the One”
French Montana ft. Swae Lee “Unforgettable”
Kendrick Lamar “HUMBLE.” Post Malone ft. 21 Savage “Rockstar”*
Top Country Song:
Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina “What Ifs” Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road”*
Dustin Lynch “Small Town Boy”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line “Meant To Be”
Brett Young “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Top Rock Song: Imagine Dragons “Believer”*
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Linkin Park ft. Kiiara “Heavy”
Portugal. The Man “Feel It Still”
The Revivalists “Wish I Knew You”
Top Latin Song:
J Balvin & Willy William ft. Beyoncé “Mi Gente”
Becky G ft. Bad Bunny “Mayores” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber “Despacito”*
Maluma “Felices Los 4”
Wisin ft. Ozuna “Escápate Conmigo”
Top Dance/Electronic Song: The Chainsmokers & Coldplay “Something Just Like This”*
Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie “Rockabye”
Cheat Codes ft. Demi Lovato “No Promises”
Kygo & Selena Gomez “It Ain’t Me”
Zedd & Alessia Cara “Stay”
Top Christian Song:
Elevation Worship “O Come To The Altar” Hillsong Worship “What A Beautiful Name”*
Lecrae ft. Tori Kelly “I’ll Find You”
MercyMe “Even If”
Zach Williams “Old Church Choir”
Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy “Trust In You” J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise “You Deserve It”*
Travis Greene “You Waited”
Tamela Mann “Change Me”
Charlie Wilson “I’m Blessed”
Janet Jackson at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Mila Kunis at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Kelly Clarkson at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Bebe Rexha at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Luis Fonsi at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
John Legend at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Khalid and Normani at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Des Linden and Chloe Kim at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Julia Michaels and Grace VanderWaal at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Shawn Mendes at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
French Montana and Hailey Baldwin at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Khlaid and Shawn Mendes at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/NBC)
Alex Pall of the Chainsmokers, Halsey and Andrew Taggart of the Chainsmokers at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Zedd and Maren Morris at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Rebel Wilson at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Camila Cabello at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Tod Williamson/NBC)
Christina Aguillera and Demi Lovato at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/NBC)
Janet Jackson and Bruno Mars at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Simon Cowell at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/NBC)
Ariana Grande at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Khalid at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Brian Friedman/NBC)
Dua Lipa at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/NBC)
Chrissy Metz and Justin Hartley at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Tip “T.I.” Harris at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/NBC)
Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Derek Hough, Jenna Dewan and Ne-Yo at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Macklemore and Kesha at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Todd Williamson/NBC)
BTS at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Jennifer Lopez at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Nick Jonas and Mustard at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Ciara at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Maren Morris (second from left), Zedd (second from right) and Grey
The following are excerpts from press releases from Dick Clark Productions and NBC:
Dick Clark Productions and NBC announced today the full line-up of presenters for the “2018 Billboard Music Awards.” The film, television and music stars slated to take the stage throughout the night include Hailey Baldwin, Tyra Banks, Alison Brie, The Chainsmokers, Ciara, Andy Cohen, Simon Cowell, Darren Criss, Halsey, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Justin Hartley & Chrissy Metz, Nick Jonas & Mustard, Chloe Kim, Mila Kunis, Padma Lakshmi, Des Linden, Julia Michaels, French Montana, Ne-Yo, Derek Hough & Jenna Dewan, Evan Ross & Ashlee Simpson, Grace VanderWaal and Rebel Wilson.
They join host, performer and “The Voice” coach Kelly Clarkson, plus previously announced performances by BTS, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Khalid, John Legend, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez and Shawn Mendes, plus collaborations by Christina Aguilera featuring Demi Lovato, Macklemore and Kesha, Salt-N-Pepa featuring En Vogue and Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey on a night filled with music’s biggest names. Global superstar Janet Jackson will receive this year’s Billboard Music Awards ICON Award and will also take the stage for a highly anticipated performance of her greatest hits, marking her first performance on television in nine years.
Macklemore and Kesha will perform their heartfelt single, “Good Old Days,” together in a special performance presented by T-Mobile, as part of the “2018 Billboard Music Awards.” The duo will perform their feel-good hit – which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart – just down the Strip from the main show on Toshiba Plaza outside of T-Mobile Arena. T-Mobile will provide fans exclusive, behind-the-scenes content with Macklemore and Kesha in addition to an inside look at the BBMAs throughout the evening. Fans can keep up with and join the conversation by using #AreYouWithUs and following T-Mobile’s social channels.
Khalid and Mendes will take the stage for a special collaboration and the world television premiere of Mendes’ new single, “Youth,” immediately following Mendes’ performance of his hit single ”In My Blood.”
Female rap trio Salt-N-Pepa will shoop onto the stage to perform several of their monster hits at the “2018 Billboard Music Awards!” Joining them for this one-of-a-kind special performance will be the highly celebrated female vocal group En Vogue. Salt-N-Pepa’s “2018 Billboard Music Awards” performance marks the 30th anniversary of them becoming the first female rappers to crack the Top 20 on Billboard Hot 100. The renowned group burst onto the hip-hop scene in 1987 with their debut Billboard chart hit “My Mike Sounds Nice,” and then notched their first crossover pop smash with “Push It” the following year.
“Thirty years later, we’re still Pushing It all over the world and we’re still loved and celebrated by fans we grew up with as well as new fans,” said Salt-N-Pepa. “Looking back at all the barriers we’ve broken as women in this very male dominated genre of music, being the first two female rappers to break the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 is right up there as one of the best moments of our amazing career. We are blessed.”
[May 18, 2018 UPDATE: Khalid and Normani will be teaming up for the Pepsi® Generations summer performance of their Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Love Lies.”]
The “2018 Billboard Music Awards” will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. The three-hour telecast will feature performances from this year’s hottest musical acts, unexpected collaborations and buzzworthy moments that celebrate 60 years of the Billboard Hot 100.
Nominations for the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” were announced last month on NBC’s “Today” and on a livestream from Billboard’s New York office. Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran tie for the most nominations this year with 15 each.
“Billboard Music Awards” nominees and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the chart period of April 8, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of artists, songs and albums, and are the ultimate measure of success in music.
Multi-platinum, multiple Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has established himself as one of the world’s biggest musical artists with over 26 million albums sold, universal acclaim, and performing to sold out audiences around the globe. His third studio album “÷” (pronounced divide) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 upon its March 2017 release, and went on to be the year’s biggest album in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, with equivalent album units exceeding 2.764 million units. “Shape Of You” – the album’s 8x-Platinum lead single – debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2017, held the top spot for a remarkable 12 weeks, and remained in the top 10 for 33 consecutive weeks, the most ever in the chart’s 59-year history. Sheeran dominated Billboard’s Year In Review, standing at #1 on 16 of their year-end charts including Top Artist of the Year and Hot 100 Song of the Year for “Shape Of You,” taking the honor for the second consecutive year (Sheeran co-wrote Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” 2016’s Hot 100 Song of the Year). With his 2x-Platinum certified single “Castle on the Hill” also debuting at #6 on the Hot 100 after being released in tandem with “Shape Of You,” Sheeran also became the only artist in chart history to have two singles simultaneously debut in the Top 10. One of the planet’s most popular live performers, Ed has sold out countless headline shows at some of the biggest and most iconic venues around the world, including his upcoming stand at London’s Wembley Stadium where he’s set to perform in front of 320,000 fans over 4 nights. Last year, all 60 dates of the North American leg of his world arena tour in support of “÷” sold out in a matter of minutes, and, this summer, he’ll return for a cross-country stadium tour, kicking off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, on August 18.
Macklemore
Two-time Billboard Music Award winner Macklemore has collected seven hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including a pair of No. 1s: “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us.” The tracks — recorded alongside Ryan Lewis and featuring Wanz and Ray Dalton, respectively — ranked as 2013’s Nos. 1 and 5 biggest songs of the year on the Hot 100 chart. Most recently, Macklemore topped the Rap Albums chart with his 2017 solo effort “Gemini,” which spun off a pair of Top 20-charting hits on both the Hot Rap Songs and Pop Songs charts: “Glorious,” featuring Skylar Grey, and “Good Old Days,” featuring Kesha. In total, as a solo artist and with Lewis, Macklemore’s albums have earned 5.2 million equivalent album units in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, while his songs have sold 23 million downloads and have tallied over 2.5 billion on-demand streams.
Collectively, Macklemore’s music videos have been viewed over 2.7 billion times and he is one of only two rappers to have a diamond-certified single. His breakthrough album “The Heist,” with producing partner Ryan Lewis, earned the duo 4 Grammy Awards, 5 MTV Awards, 2 American Music Awards and 1 BET Award. In 2016, Macklemore was featured in an MTV special with President Obama about the opioid epidemic in America and was the first US citizen ever to participate in the Presidential Weekly Address. In 2017, Macklemore released “Gemini,” his first solo album in 12 years.
Kesha
Singer/songwriter Kesha has achieved more than 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, including three No. 1s. Among those leaders is her breakout debut single “Tik Tok,” which spent nine weeks atop the list and was named 2010’s year-end top Hot 100 song. Her first album, “Animal,” opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, a feat matched by her most recent release, 2017’s “Rainbow.” The latter set launched the Top 10 Pop Songs hit “Praying” and the No. 1 Dance Club Songs single “Woman,” featuring The Dap-King Horns. Kesha’s catalog of albums have earned 6.7 million equivalent album units in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, and her songs have sold more than 33 million downloads and garnered 1.8 billion on-demand streams.
Kesha’s latest album, “Rainbow” was praised by The New York Times, Billboard, Vanity Fair and more, and was ranked No. 4 in Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Albums of 2017. ’Rainbow’ earned Kesha the first GRAMMY nominations of her career earlier this year, with “Rainbow” up for Best Pop Vocal Album and “Praying” getting a nod for Best Pop Solo Performance. She was recently named one of Time magazine’s Time 100, their annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Kesha will also embark on “The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore” co-headlining North American tour with Macklemore (along with several solo shows) on June 6 in Phoenix, AZ. The nine-week, 30-market tour pairs the two trailblazing artists for an epic summer trek of North American amphitheaters and arenas.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes recently released new tracks “In My Blood” and “Lost in Japan” from his highly anticipated third album. Both tracks have already experienced massive success, soaring to Nos. 22 and 64, respectively, on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 and No. 2 on the overall iTunes chart in the U.S, Top 5 on iTunes in 50 countries, and holding the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist. The tracks have received critical acclaim from outlets including Rolling Stone, Billboard, Idolator, Variety and Paste, with “In My Blood” topping Time magazine’s “5 Songs You Need to Listen to This Week” and The New York Times’ “The Playlist.” “In My Blood” and “Lost in Japan” are the first new songs released by Mendes since his 3x platinum hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” in April 2017. The track scored Mendes his second No. 1 single on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, joining 6x platinum single “Stitches.” With “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” Mendes also became the first artist to ever have three No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart before the age of 20. Throughout his career, Mendes has achieved two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 with platinum albums “Handwritten” (2015) and “Illuminate” (2016), and seven consecutive platinum and multi-platinum singles. Worldwide, he has sold over 10 million albums, 100 million singles, and has amassed over 11 billion song streams and 4 billion YouTube views. Mendes has completed two sold-out world tours with over one million tickets sold, selling out legendary arenas, including NYC’s Madison Square Garden, Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and London’s O2 Arena in minutes. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time’s “Most Influential Teens” for 4 consecutive years. In February 2018, ROI Influencer Media recognized Mendes as the #1 Most Influential Artist and #1 Most Influential Teen across all social media platforms. Shawn Mendes BBMA Giphy stickers are available and can be found within Instagram Stories by clicking the GIF button and searching for “BBMAs.”
Khalid
Five-time Billboard Music Award nominee Khalid has seen great success since he released his first single “Location” right before his high school graduation. The song’s domination led to Khalid’s major label deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records followed by the release of his debut album, “American Teen.” The album received mass critical acclaim with Rolling Stone calling Khalid a “pop prodigy” and Time magazine stating, ““His thoughtful, relatable reflections on modern youth culture and the limitations of love are just as pitch-perfect as his soulful, measured delivery.” “American Teen” shattered expectations as it stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for more than 60 weeks, peaked at No. 4 and stayed in the Top 30 of the chart for its first 60 weeks on that list. The singer-songwriter has over one billion streams worldwide across all partners, his first single “Location” is certified 4x platinum by the RIAA, and his previous single “Young Dumb & Broke” is certified 3X platinum. Since the album’s debut, Khalid has garnered five 2018 Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist and landed on the cover of Billboard’s 2018 Grammy Preview issue. He was also nominated for 2017 BET Award for Best New Artist, a Teen Choice Award for Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song for “Location” and a 2017 American Music Award for Favorite Song-Soul/R&B for “Location.” Khalid also won Best New Artist at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and an MTV’s Woodie to Watch Award. In addition to “American Teen,” Khalid has collaborated with some of music’s biggest stars. He has been featured on a number of songs, including megahits like Calvin Harris’s “Rollin” with Future, “1-800-273-8255” with Logic and Alessia Cara, “Silence” with Marshmello, “Lovely” with Billie Eilish, “Youth” with Shawn Mendes, and many more. Khalid’s current singles “Love Lies,” a duet with Normani, and “OTW” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 6lack are burning up the airwaves. Khalid is currently on this third sold-out North American headlining tour.
Salt-N-Pepa
With truck gold ropes around their necks and a fire in their hearts to entertain, inspire, and slay the competition— three feminine figures emerged from the shadows and kicked in the door of the male dominated Hip-Hop industry. The legend of Salt-N-Pepa was born. Long before the days of high profile social media platforms, Salt-N-Pepa commanded the attention of millions of followers with their airtight rhyme flow, mass pop appeal, fashion, fun, and unapologetic femininity. They are the first female rap group to attain platinum status. They have sold more than 12 million albums. Their brand of girl power and strong feminine artistry changed the Hip-Hop landscape and blazed a trail for numerous female artists and groups in pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop genres. Included in their catalog of hits from five studio albums are such classics as Push It, Shoop, Whatta Man, Let’s Talk About Sex, Expression, Independent, and the Grammy Award winning hit None of Your Business.
In recent years Salt-N-Pepa has reunited for several successful tours in the United States and abroad. In 2018, in the aftermath of a successful 30th Anniversary of the influential group, the ladies are still headlining the “I Love the 90’s Tour” and prepping for their Las Vegas residency. Salt-N-Pepa’s residency is not only a first for them it is also the first Hip-Hop residency in Las Vegas. With the success of N.W.A biopic, Straight Outta Compton, interest has resurfaced from Hollywood executives in telling the epic story of Salt-N-Pepa. There will be a Salt-N-Pepa movie, and a documentary with both deals in development. And what is sure to be sweet music to the ears of old and new fans alike, they are finally back in the studio working on new music.
Also, in 2018, C.E.O James” Jimmy” Maynes and Chief Operations officer, Tommaso Giuseppe have partnered with the legendary ladies of hip hop, Salt-N-Pepa on Eastwind Media Group (EMG!). Jimmy Maynes is a Grammy award winning music producer with a 30+ year history as an A/R executive hailing from the iconic record companies, Uptown Records, Def Jam, Jive Records and others. Tommaso Giuseppe is a former NY Nightlife promoter turned right hand to Jimmy Maynes. Powered by Salt-N-Pepa, EMG! not only manages the careers and brands of iconic pop/ hip hop & R&B artists such as Naughty By Nature, Kid N Play, ALL4ONE, Blackstreet & Case; EMG! also co-produces the hugely successful worldwide “I Love The 90s Tour” that is currently in its third year with no signs of slowing down.
En Vogue
En Vogue, currently consisting of Cindy Heron-Braggs, Terry Ellis and Rhona Bennett, has sold over 20 million albums and effortlessly transitioned into the digital age, amassing over 30 million streams and over 26 million YouTube views on their top six hit singles alone: the R&B and Pop smashes “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “Never Gonna Get It,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Don’t Let Go,” and “Whatta Man” feat. Salt N Pepa). The group has won seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Soul Train Awards, two American Music Awards, and received seven Grammy nominations. After 14 years En Vogue is back with their first studio album “Electric Café” that spawn the Top 10 Adult R&B Songs hit single “Rocket.”
Zedd
Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist/DJ/producer Zedd made his debut with “Clarity” after signing with Interscope in 2012 and has been breaking down barriers surrounding music genres ever since. His latest single, “The Middle” with Maren Morris and Grey, was declared “catchy as hell” by MTV and Rolling Stone called it “an infectious earworm.” The track has already amassed over 500 million streams and spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart. “The Middle” is his follow up to his 2017 hit singles “Get Low” with Liam Payne and “Stay” with Alessia Cara. “Stay” earned Zedd his first No. 1 on the Pop Songs chart and his second Grammy nomination. In 2015, Zedd released “True “Colors, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Throughout his career, Zedd has worked with a diverse range of artists to create hits, including Hayley Williams on platinum hit “Stay The Night,” which racked up more than 400 million streams, and Selena Gomez on platinum track “I Want You To Know,” which spent four weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
Maren Morris
Twenty-eight year old singer/songwriter Maren Morris has quickly established herself with vocal stylings that reflect her country, folk and pop influences. Armed with sheer talent, honest lyrics and a completely magnetic presence, Morris’ label-debut album, the gold-certified “Hero,” released via Columbia Nashville on June 3, 2016. One week after it was available, “Hero” entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at No. 1 and No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, which spans across all genres. With this, the Arlington, Texas native became the first artist in the history of Columbia Nashville to open at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart with a debut album in the Nielsen Music era. Morris’ debut single from “Hero,” “My Church,” set a record at country radio by having the most chart reporting stations to play a debut single by a country artist with 107 stations the week it hit the airwaves, in addition to being certified Platinum by the RIAA. Later in 2016 Morris tied for the most nominations with five at the 50th CMA Awards, including Album of the Year (“Hero”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year (“My Church”), Song of the Year (“My Church”) and New Artist of the Year, which she won, marking her first CMA Award. She was tapped by Billboard magazine to receive the Billboard Breakthrough Artist Award at the 11th annual Billboard Women in Music Gala, as well as being awarded the Breakthrough Artist Award by the Music Business Association at Music Biz 2017. Kicking off 2017 Morris took home the Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for “My Church” at the 59th Grammy Awards, in addition to having the most nominations for a country music artist with four to her credit, including Best New Artist, Best Country Album (“Hero”) and Best Country Song as the songwriter and performer (“My Church”). She received six nominations at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year, New Female Vocalist of the Year, which she took home the trophy for, Album of the Year (as artist and producer) for “Hero,” and Single Record of the Year (as artist and producer) for “My Church.” Morris was also named Radio Disney’s Best New Country Artist at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards. Morris wrapped 2017 with the conclusion of her first-ever headlining “Hero Tour 2017,” which also included dates in the U.K. Looking ahead at 2018 Maren received her fifth career Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance (“I Could Use a Love Song”) for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. In addition “I Could Use a Love Song” was Morris’ first No. 1 country radio single, as both the performer and songwriter, reaching the top of both Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts the week of Jan. 15, 2018. Morris’ current single for country radio is the fun fan favorite song “Rich.” Though rooted deeply in country music, Morris has acquired a global, non-genre specific, fan base. It’s that global fan base’s appetite that Morris will satisfy in 2018 by collaborating with electronic house DJ and producer Zedd, along with electronic duo, Grey, for the smash hit, “The Middle,” in addition to joining Niall Horan on the “Flicker World Tour 2018” with dates in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Grey
Since launching in late 2014, Grey—the Los Angeles-based production duo composed of brothers Kyle and Michael Trewartha—have quickly taken the music world by storm with their viral hit singles “Starving” and “I Miss You.” Grey stepped into the big leagues with their first original release, “Starving,” a collaboration with Hailee Steinfeld featuring their mentor, Zedd, released July 2016. The breakthrough track marks Grey’s crossover into the mainstream milieu as their first platinum-certified single. A bona fide hit, “Starving” reached No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaked at No. 5 on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, and also went Top 10 in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Online, the track’s video counts over 250 million views on YouTube, with an additional 563 million streams on Spotify. With the success of “Starving” on deck, Grey followed up with “I Miss You,” their first official solo single. Released at the beginning of 2017 via Interscope Records, “I Miss You” delivers an emotionally intense romp through heartbreak and heartache, led by a seductive vocal performance from Southern California trio Bahari. The Top 40 track already claims impressive figures, with more than 30 million streams to date, including over 28 million plays on Spotify alone. Grey is now at the helm of their next artistic evolution with Chameleon, their debut EP released this fall. On Chameleon, a modern, freeform approach to production, no sound is off limits, no genre is taboo. For proof, take a spin through the title track “Chameleon” featuring vocalist Asia Whitacre. Structured atop a moving crescendo, the track dives headfirst into a matrix of filtered guitars and synthed-out bleeps. “Crime” feat. Skott, the first single off Chameleon, was called a “dreamy floor filler with a surprisingly huge drop” by Idolator. Grey go for the jugular on “Wings Clipped,” featuring special guest Avril Lavigne and Anthony Green, lead singer of Circa Survive and Saosin, Continuing their artistic evolution, Grey followed up their debut EP with “Crown,” a collaboration with Camila Cabello featured on the soundtrack to Netflix’s original film “Bright.” The New York Times described the track as “Bollywood-goes-trap mode” while Billboard heralded, “Grey smashed it with Middle Eastern drums and Arabic strumming.” As Grey readies new music in 2018, they reunited with Zedd for his hit single “The Middle,” featuring Grammy Award winning artist, Maren Morris.
Normani
Best-known as one of the four members in the multi-platinum group Fifth Harmony, Normani explores a new musical direction on “Love Lies” with Khalid. Since its release, the “slow-burning R&B ballad” (The FADER) has been streamed over 300 million times while the song’s official video has over 44 million views on YouTube. With over 195 million streams on Spotify alone, the song broke the Top 5 on the streaming platform’s US (#2) and Global (#3) Viral Charts. Featured as Zane Lowe’s World Record, “Love Lies” also went #2 on iTunes’ R&B/Soul Top Songs chart and #9 on the Top Songs chart across all genres. Born in Atlanta, Normani grew up in New Orleans before moving to Houston at 9 years old with her family after Hurricane Katrina. Always excited about music, Normani began dancing at the age of 3 and grew up idolizing entertainers like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé. Inspired by her love for pop and R&B, “Love Lies” offers a closer look to Normani’s personal style as an artist and demonstrates her “smooth vocals” (Billboard) and “velvety range” (Vulture). Outside of the recording studio, Normani is the Global Ambassador to the American Cancer Society and works with A Place Called Home, lending her name and time to various events. She is also a Diversity Ambassador for The CyberSmile Foundation, a multi-award winning anti cyberbullying non-profit organization.
Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and Jack Messina in “Manifest” (Photo by Craig Blankenhorn/NBC/Warner Brothers)
NBC has officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during parent company NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York City’s Radio Music Hall on May 14, 2018. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that these shows have been cancelled: “The Brave,” “Law & Order True Crime,” “Marlon,” “Shades of Blue,” “Rise” and “Taken.” NBC says it has not yet decided the fate of “Timeless” and “Champions.”
Several familiar names in television will have new shows on NBC as stars and/or executive producers, including Simon Cowell (“America’s Got Talent”), “I Feel Bad” executive producer Amy Poehler (formerly of “Parks & Recreation”), “The Titan Games” executive producer Dwayne Johnson (“Ballers”), “Manifest” star Josh Dallas (formerly of “Once Upon a Time”), “The Enemy Within” star Morris Chestnut ( formerly of “Rosewood”), “The Enemy Within” star Jennifer Carpenter (formerly of “Dexter”) and “New Amsterdam” star Ryan Eggold (formerly of “The Blacklist”).
As previously reported, NBC has picked up the comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” which was cancelled by Fox.
During NBCUniversal’s upfront event, Jennifer Lopez of “World of Dance” performed. Stars also attended to promote their shows on several other NBCUniversal networks, including USA Network, Telemundo, Universo, Bravo, E!, Oxygen and Syfy.
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will have their season premieres later in the 2018-19 season. They include “Abby’s,” “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Enemy Within,” “The InBetween,” “The Titan Games,” “The Village,” “America’s Got Talent,” “A.P. Bio,” “Ellen’s Game of Games,” “Good Girls,” “The Wall” and “World of Dance.”
The following is an excerpt from an NBC press release:
Morris Chestnut, John Finn, Jennifer Carpenter and an unidentified actor in “The Enemy Within” (Photo by Will Hart/NBC)
In this fast-paced, spy-hunting thriller, Erica Shepherd (Jennifer Carpenter) is a brilliant former CIA operative, now known as the most notorious traitor in American history serving life in a Supermax prison. Against every fiber of his being but with nowhere else to turn, FBI Agent Will Keaton (Morris Chestnut) enlists Shepherd to help track down a fiercely dangerous and elusive criminal she knows all too well. For Keaton, it’s not easy to trust the woman who cost him so much. While Shepherd and Keaton have different motivations for bringing the enemy to justice, they both know that to catch a spy… they must think like one.
The cast includes Jennifer Carpenter, Morris Chestnut, Raza Jaffrey and Kelli Garner.
Ken Woodruff will write and executive produce. Mark Pellington will direct and executive produce the pilot. Vernon Sanders also executive produces. “The Enemy Within” is produced by Universal Television.
Harriet Dyer in “The InBetween” (Photo by Chris Large/NBC)
Cassie Bishop was born with a gift, though she may call it a curse. She can see and communicate with the dead, helping them with their unresolved problems … whether she likes it or not. When her longtime friend Det. Tom Hackett and his new partner, former FBI Agent Damien Asante, need help solving a darkly puzzling murder, Cassie agrees to use her abilities. Despite her reluctance, she may have found a way to keep her demons at bay, all while solving some of the city’s most challenging cases. From writer/executive producer Moira Kirland (“Castle,” “Madam Secretary”) comes this suspenseful, new character-driven procedural drama.
The cast includes Harriet Dyer, Anne-Marie Johnson, Cindy Luna, Chad James Buchanan and Paul Blackthorne.
Moira Kirland will write and executive produce. Charlotte Sieling will direct and executive produce the pilot. David Heyman and Nancy Cotton also executive produce. “The InBetween” is produced by Universal Television, NBCU International Television Studio and Heyday Television.
Melissa Roxburgh and Josh Dallas in “Manifest” (Photo by Craig Blankenhorn/NBC/Warner Brothers)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhKmfJrnrw0
When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. Yet in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years and their friends, families and colleagues, after mourning their loss, had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they’re all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible. From Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke comes an emotionally rich, unexpected journey into a world grounded in hope, heart and destiny.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina and Parveen Kaur.
Jeff Rake will write and executive produce. David Frankel will direct and executive produce the pilot. Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke also executive produce. “Manifest” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Compari Entertainment.
Ryan Eggold in “New Amsterdam” (Photo by Francisco Roman/NBC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nFaAQTQNBY
Inspired by Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in America, this unique medical drama follows the brilliant and charming Dr. Max Goodwin, the institution’s newest medical director who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care. How can he help? Well, the doctors and staff have heard this before. Not taking “no” for an answer, Dr. Goodwin must disrupt the status quo and prove he will stop at nothing to breathe new life into this understaffed, underfunded and underappreciated hospital — the only one in the world capable of treating Ebola patients, prisoners from Rikers and the President of the United States under one roof — and return it to the glory that put it on the map.
The cast includes Ryan Eggold, Freema Agyeman, Janet Montgomery, Jocko Sims, Anupam Kher and Tyler Labine.
David Schulner will write and executive produce. Kate Dennis will direct and executive produce the pilot. Peter Horton also executive produces. Dr. Eric Manheimer will produce. “New Amsterdam” is produced by Universal Television, Pico Creek Productions and Mount Moriah.
Frankie Faison and Lorraine Toussaint in “The Village” (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC)
Welcome to the Village, an apartment building in Brooklyn that appears like any other from the outside but is quite unique inside. The people who reside here have built a bonded family of friends and neighbors. Sarah’s a nurse and single mom raising a creative teen; Gabe’s a young law student who got a much older and unexpected roommate; Ava must secure the future of her young, U.S.-born son when ICE comes knocking; Nick’s a veteran who’s returned from war; and the heart and soul of the building, Ron and Patricia, have captivating tales all their own. These are the hopeful, heartwarming and challenging stories of life that prove family is everything — even if it’s the one you make with the people around you.
The cast includes Moran Atias, Dominic Chianese, Warren Christie, Frankie Faison, Jerod Haynes, Daren Kagasoff, Michaela McManus, Lorraine Toussaint and Grace Van Dien.
Mike Daniels will write and executive produce. Minkie Spiro will direct and executive produce the pilot. Jessica Rhoades also executive produces. “The Village” is produced by Universal Television and 6107 Productions.
Natalie Morales and Neil Flynn in “Abby’s” (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)
From the producers of “The Good Place” comes a hilariously aspirational new comedy about the best bar in San Diego, home to good prices, great company and, of course, Abby. This unlicensed, makeshift bar nestled in her backyard is the opposite of everything annoying about today’s party scene. There are rules at Abby’s: no cell phones (not even to “look something up”), earning a seat at the bar takes time and losing a challenge means drinking a limey, sugary “not-beer” drink. As the oddball cast of regulars will tell you, hanging out at Abby’s is a coveted honor. But once you’re in, you’re family.
The cast includes Natalie Morales, Nelson Franklin, Kimia Behpoornia, Jessica Chaffin, Leonard Ouzts and Neil Flynn.
Josh Malmuth will write and executive produce. Pamela Fryman will direct and executive produce the pilot. Michael Schur and David Miner also executive produce. “Abby’s” is produced by Universal Television, Fremulon and 3 Arts Entertainment.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” cast members Melissa Fumero, Dirk Blocker, Joel McKinnon Miller, Terry Crews, Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Chelsea Peretti, Joe Lo Truglio and Stephanie Beatriz (Photo by Scott Schafer/NBC)
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” follows the exploits of the hilarious Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), his diverse, lovable colleagues and their more-serious-than-a-hunk-of-actual-granite boss, Captain Holt (Andre Braugher), as they police the NYPD’s 99th precinct. The series celebrated two major milestones this season – it filmed its 99th episode and the season finale features the long-awaited wedding of Jake and Amy (Melissa Fumero).
From Emmy Award-winning writer/producers Dan Goor and Michael Schur, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” won the 2014 Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Samberg). Emmy winner Braugher earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, from 2014-2016.
Rounding out the ensemble are Holt’s next-in-command, Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), a muscle-bound human mountain who loves nothing more than his three little daughters, except for a fresh carton of full-fat yogurt. The man loves yogurt. Amy Santiago is Jake’s fiancée who recently became a Sergeant. Jake’s fellow detectives include his best friend and human puppy-dog, Detective Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), and the incredibly secretive, tough-as-nails Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz). Holt’s civilian assistant is Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti), the living embodiment of the “100” emoji. Also part of the Nine-Nine are veteran officers Detective Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) and Detective Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker), whose only skill as police officers is their ability to make a passable pot of coffee.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is produced by Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment, Fremulon and Dr. Goor Productions. The series was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur. The series is executive-produced by Goor, Schur, David Miner and Luke Del Tredici.
Sarayu Blue and Paul Adelstein as David in “I Feel Bad” (Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Vg5dpyno8
Emet is the perfect mom, boss, wife, friend and daughter. OK, she’s not perfect. In fact, she’s just figuring it out like the rest of us. Sure, she feels bad when she has a sexy dream about someone other than her husband, or when she pretends not to know her kids when they misbehave in public, or when she uses her staff to help solve personal problems. But that’s OK, right? Nobody can have it all and do it perfectly. From executive producer Amy Poehler comes a modern comedy about being perfectly OK with being imperfect.
The cast includes Sarayu Blue, Paul Adelstein, Aisling Bea, Zach Cherry, Johnny Pemberton and James Buckley.
Aseem Batra will write and executive produce. Julie Anne Robinson will direct and executive produce the pilot. Amy Poehler, Dave Becky and Josh Maurer also executive produce. “I Feel Bad” is produced by Universal Television, Paper Kite Productions, CannyLads Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment.
Inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential both mentally and physically, this inspiring new reality series offers everyday people the opportunity to step inside the Titan arena and achieve the impossible. Every episode, six contenders compete against one of six reigning Titans. They will be challenged in incredible, head-to-head battles designed to test the mind, body and heart of our competitors. Sheer brute strength won’t be enough. If a contender rises to the occasion and defeats one of the Titans, they take their place and join the elite Titan group. But once one becomes a Titan, they must be victorious every week to keep their spot. In the epic season finale, Titans battle it out against one another in the hope of becoming the last male and female standing.
Dwayne Johnson, Arthur Smith, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Toby Gorman executive produce. “The Titan Games” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, A. Smith & Co. Productions and Seven Bucks Productions.
“AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: THE CHAMPIONS”
Simon Cowell of “America’s Got Talent” (Photo by Andrew Eccles/NBC)
Warming up winter with summer’s hottest show, NBC, Syco Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America and executive producer Simon Cowell will be bringing back the most talented and memorable acts in series history to compete with one another when “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” arrives on the 2018-19 winter schedule.
“America’s Got Talent: The Champions” will bring together the most talented, memorable, wackiest and all-around favorites from past seasons of “AGT” for the ultimate display of talent. Additionally, some of the most popular acts from the other global “Got Talent” franchises, spanning 184 countries, will come to share their talents and compete against one other.
With the search open to acts of all ages, “America’s Got Talent” has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing unique performers from around the world. The series is a true celebration of creativity and talent, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America’s hearts and $1 million.
“America’s Got Talent” was created by Simon Cowell and is co-produced by FremantleMedia North America and Syco Entertainment. Simon Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.
The following is a press release from Dick Clark Productions and NBC:
Dick Clark Productions and NBC announced today that singer, songwriter, actress and producer Jennifer Lopez will hit the stage the only way she knows how—with a performance at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
Lopez first revealed the news during her appearance this morning on NBC’s “Today.”
Lopez, the 2014 Billboard Music Awards ICON Award recipient, judge and executive producer on NBC’s hit summer series “World of Dance,” as well as executive producer and star of the hit drama “Shades of Blue,” will take a break from her current Las Vegas residency show “All I Have,” on a night filled with music’s biggest names.
And the rumors are true – Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato have teamed up for the first time and will perform the world television debut of Aguilera’s new single, “Fall In Line,” featuring Lovato, at the “2018 Billboard Music Awards.” Rumors have been swirling that the pop chanteuses have been collaborating together on a track since early this year, and fans have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of the news.
Aguilera and Lovato will join previously announced performers BTS, Camila Cabello, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Dua Lipa and Shawn Mendes, on a night filled with music’s biggest names. It was also announced that global superstar, Janet Jackson, will receive this year’s ICON Award, given to artists who have led industry-defining careers and shaped the music landscape. Jackson will also take the stage for a highly anticipated performance of her greatest hits, marking her first performance on television in nine years.
Hosted by “The Voice” coach Kelly Clarkson, the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. The three-hour telecast will feature performances from this year’s hottest musical acts, unexpected collaborations and buzzworthy moments that celebrate 60 years of the Billboard Hot 100.
Nominations for the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” were announced last month on NBC’s “Today” and on a livestream from Billboard’s New York office. Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran tie for the most nominations this year with 15 each.
Voting for the two fan voted categories – Billboard Chart Achievement Award and Top Social Artist – will open on Monday, May 14 and additional details will be available soon. Billboard Chart Facts:
Jennifer Lopez debuted on Billboard’s charts in 1999 with the smash single “If You Had My Love,” which spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and paved the way for 10 total Top 10s and 17 Top 40 hits. Since “Love,” Lopez has made three more visits to No. 1 on the Hot 100. In addition, the 2014 Billboard ICON Award honoree has earned two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, 16 No. 1s on the Dance Club Songs chart and a trio of No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Lopez has earned over 1.2 billion on-demand streams in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music.
Jennifer Lopez is an award-winning singer, actress, producer and entertainer who has established herself in both music and film. She is a successful recording and touring artist who has sold over 75 million records and has a cumulative box-office gross of over $2 billion. Lopez is one of the most influential female artists in history. As an artist, fashion icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Lopez has been named Forbes magazine’s most powerful celebrity and People magazine’s first “Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” Without a doubt, Lopez is a global icon and the ultimate multihyphenate.Jennifer Lopez’s BBMA Giphy stickers are now available! These stickers can be found within Instagram Stories by clicking the GIF button and searching for “BBMAs.”
Christina Aguilera made a huge entrance with her debut self-titled album. The set debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on its way to 8.3 million copies sold in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music. The album also spun off three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants” and “Come On Over (All I Want Is You)” – making the diva still the most recent female artist to launch three Hot 100 No. 1s from a debut album. Aguilera has since added two more Hot 100 leaders to her resume – the all-star remake of “Lady Marmalade,” with Lil’ Kim, Mya and Pink, in 2001, and, “Moves Like Jagger,” a collaboration with Maroon 5, in 2011. In total, Aguilera has charted 12 Top 10 singles on the Hot 100 and eight Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. She has also remained a constant force on pop radio, charting 14 Top 10 hits on the Pop Songs airplay chart. On May 3, the recent Billboard cover star dropped her latest release, the Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz-assisted “Accelerate,” which counts Kanye West among its co-producers. Her next studio album, “Liberation,” will be released on June 15.
Actress and singer, Demi Lovato, has made a huge splash since she arrived on the Billboard charts in 2008 with her hit duet with Joe Jonas, “This Is Me.” The “Camp Rock” single became her first of four career Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including her highest-peaking single yet, “Sorry Not Sorry,” which climbed to No. 6 in November 2017. She has also powered her way to six consecutive Top Five albums on the Billboard 200, including one No. 1, 2009’s “Here We Go Again.” Lovato has also proven to be a mighty contender on pop radio, with eight Top 10 hits on the Pop Songs airplay chart. In November 2017, she earned her first No. 1 on the chart in more than five years – “Sorry Not Sorry” completed her first trip to the top since “Give Your Heart a Break” in 2012.
Christina Aguilera is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs. She just announced her highly anticipated 6th studio album, Liberation, would be released on June 15. Throughout her career, she has sold more than 43 million records worldwide. Aguilera has achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and, with No. 1s in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, she is just the fourth female artist to top the chart in three consecutive decades. She has won six Grammys including one Latin Grammy Award. She has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and holds the prestigious honor of being the only artist under the age of 30 included in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. In 2011 she entered the world of television as a coach on NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-winning show “The Voice.” Aguilera continues to use her voice for good. She has served as global spokesperson for Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief effort since 2009 and has helped raise over $150 million for the World Food Program and other hunger relief agencies.
Demi Lovato is a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum singer, songwriter, actress, advocate, philanthropist and business women. In addition, she’s one of the biggest names on social media, with an engaged combined following of over 200 million. Lovato’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Confident,” was released in 2015. Within hours of the release of the first single, “Cool for the Summer,” the anthem trended worldwide and hit No. 1 on iTunes in 37 countries. Her previous album, 2013’s “Demi,” hit No. 1 on iTunes in over 50 countries around the world, with the lead single “Heart Attack” earning Platinum status just 10 weeks after its release. “Heart Attack” was followed by the Top 5 radio smash and platinum single “Neon Lights,” and her Top 10 single “Really Don’t Care.” The album supported two headlining tours (“Neon Lights” and “Demi World Tour”), which made stops throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
In April 2017, Lovato played the voice of Smurfette in the Sony animated film “Smurfs: The Lost Village.” Additionally, beyond the stage and the screen, in 2013 her book “Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year,” became a New York Times best-seller, and in 2014 she became a global ambassador for Sketchers. In 2015, Lovato partnered with Episode, a leading mobile storytelling network, to make “Demi Lovato: Path to Fame.” Since launching, her story has been read over 225 million times. In 2017, Lovato took on a new venture and was announced as the first-ever collaboration with Fabletics, the innovative active wear brand co-founded by Kate Hudson.
As a result of her long-time commitment to raising awareness around LGBT issues and causes, in 2016 Lovato became the recipient of GLAAD’s Vanguard Award. She continues to be a global advocate for mental health, and in 2017 was honored by Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA with the Artistic Award for Courage for her work in mental health. In addition, also in 2017, she was named by Global Citizen as the organization’s official ambassador for mental health, with a special focus on vulnerable communities around the world.
In July 2017, she released the first single “Sorry Not Sorry” off her album, which instantly flew into the Top 5 on the iTunes Charts and is now certified triple-platinum. The hit has garnered over 500 million streams, climbed to No.1 on the viral charts, and has over 310 million views for its house party video. Lovato’s sixth studio album, “Tell Me You Love Me,” is now certified platinum after debuting at No. 1 on iTunes in 37 countries on September 29. In addition to her critically hailed album release, Lovato released a 78-minute documentary film, “Simply Complicated,” which has amassed over 15 million views to date. Lovato just wrapped her 20-city tour across the U.S. and Canada with DJ Khaled and Kehlani, and is set to tour South America and Europe later this year.
“Billboard Music Awards” nominees and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of April 8, 2017 through March 31, 2018. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of artists, songs and albums, and are the ultimate measure of success in music.
Tickets for the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” are on-sale now. To purchase tickets online, fans should go to www.axs.com.
For the latest Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) news, exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the BBMAs on social media and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #BBMAs. Facebook:FB.com/TheBBMAs Twitter:@BBMAs Instagram: bbmas Snapchat: thebbmas
Cheat Tweet: Global icon @JLo is the latest performer confirmed for the #BBMAs LIVE May 20 on NBC. bbmas.news/JLo#BBMAs
The “2018 Billboard Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions. Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman, Kelly Clarkson and Robert Deaton are executive producers.
The “2018 Billboard Music Awards” are sponsored by T-Mobile.
About Billboard
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The royal wedding of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle will take at Windsor Castle in England on May 19, 2018. Several networks will have a live telecast of the event. Here’s a rundown of what royal watchers in the United States can see in celebration of the wedding.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Photo by Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)
The following is a press release from E!:
As the Royals and A-list stars converge on Windsor, England to celebrate the upcoming fairytale nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, E! builds on its continued coverage of the Royal Family culminating with the event of the year. The network’s coverage begins on Monday, May 7th at 9p ET/PT with “The Real Princess Diaries: From Diana to Meghan” wedding special, breaking down the future of the modern day Princess through the lives of three trailblazing women: Diana, Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle. Then on Saturday, May 19th starting at 5a ET/2a PT, reporting live, direct from Windsor Castle, “E! Live From The Royal Wedding” featuring pop culture expert Giuliana Rancic, celebrity fashion stylist Brad Goreski, royal expert E! News Chief Correspondent Melanie Bromley, and E! UK TV host Sarah-Jane Crawford provides viewers with unparalleled and unpredictable, five-hour, cross-platform coverage from multiple vantage points. Rounding out the night, the network will air “E! Royal Wedding Rundown,” an hour-long recap special of the historic event, at 7:00p ET/PT. The special and day of live coverage will be produced by Wilshire Studios.
“The Real Princess Diaries: From Diana to Meghan” special features a roster of royal, pop culture, and style experts including Karamo Brown (Queer Eye), Michelle Lee (Editor-In-Chief, Allure Magazine), Melanie Bromley, Zanna Roberts Rassi (Senior Fashion Editor, Marie Claire Magazine), Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan (The Fug Girls, “gofugyourself”), and more. The special will look at how these modern day royals are redefining what that means through their lifestyles, fashion, philanthropy, and socially. Viewers will also get a chance to look back at how Diana set the standard for future generations, how Kate has carried that torch, and how Meghan will further redefine what the world thinks of the British royal family. These royal insiders will revisit the lavish weddings of Diana and Kate, and make predictions of what’s to come for Meghan’s big day.
E! News will also have dedicated Royal Wedding coverage the entire week leading up to the ceremony as E!’s resident royal expert Melanie Bromley does comprehensive reporting live in London and Windsor, England with up-to-the-minute updates on Prince Harry and Meghan, along with final preparations for the high-profile nuptials, kicking off Monday, May 14th at 12p ET/PT on “Daily Pop” and 7p ET/PT on “E! News.” Plus, E! News’ coverage will dive deep into these refreshingly modern pop-cultural darlings and their captivating, storybook-like romance, and bring fans all of the details from the star-studded celebrations.
E! News’ fan-favorite Instagram Stories will also feature a special edition of Royal Wedding coverage on Saturday, May 19th, delivering E!’s fresh, comedic and fast-paced take on the biggest moments from the wedding festivities. Fans can follow every moment as the day unfolds and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content on E! News digital and @enews across social platforms (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) as well as @e_news on Snapchat.
Complete Schedule:
Monday, May 7th at 9p ET/PT
E!’s royal wedding special “The Real Princess Diaries: From Diana to Meghan” will discuss the evolution of royal life and the future of the modern day Princess through the lives of three trailblazing women: Diana, Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle.
Monday, May 14th at 12p ET/PT & 7p ET/PT
Leading up to the ceremony, “Daily Pop” and “E! News” will deliver dedicated Royal Wedding coverage the entire week as E!’s resident royal expert Melanie Bromley does comprehensive reporting live in London and Windsor, England with up-to-the-minute updates on Prince Harry and Meghan, along with final preparations for the high-profile nuptials. Plus, E! News’ coverage will bring fans all of the details from the star-studded celebrations.
Saturday, May 19th at 5:00a ET/2:00a PT
“E! Live From the Royal Wedding” — the network’s unparalleled and unpredictable five-hour wedding coverage — hosted by pop culture expert Giuliana Rancic, celebrity fashion stylist Brad Goreski, royal expert E! News Chief Correspondent Melanie Bromley, and E! UK TV host Sarah-Jane Crawford.
Saturday, May 19th at 7:00p ET/PT
“E! Royal Wedding Rundown,” the hour-long recap special will air immediately following E!’s live coverage of the historic event.
Digital & Social
E! News’ fan-favorite Instagram Stories will feature a special edition of Royal Wedding coverage on Saturday, May 19th, delivering E!’s fresh, comedic and fast-paced take on the biggest moments from the wedding festivities. Fans can get exclusive behind-the-scenes content on E! News digital and @enews across social platforms (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) as well as @e_news on Snapchat.
(Image courtesy of Fox)
The following is a press release from Fox:
“MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESS”
FRIDAY, MAY 11, ON FOX
Featuring Interviews with Markle’s Half-Sister, Samantha Markle; Broadcast Journalist Piers Morgan; Princess Diana’s Former Butler, Paul Burrell; and More
The following is a press release from Fox:
The all-new special MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESS will air Friday, May 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The two-hour event will focus on Markle’s life and potential legacy as the first American to marry into the British royal family since 1937.
Airing just days before Markle’s marriage on May 19 to His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, also known as Prince Harry, MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESS will offer viewers an inside look into the lives of this global power couple straight from experts, socialites and friends intimately connected with the House of Windsor.
The special will examine Markle’s life before Harry, and how both her career as an actress and passion for activism couldhelp shape her role as a member of the royal family. Broadcast journalist Piers Morgan will provide exclusive commentary on the many ways this spirited young American will have to adapt to life in the traditional royal household. Markle’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, will offer insight into her sibling’s upbringing and describe the racial prejudice their family often faced. Also featured in the special will be Royal Correspondent and Harry’s biographer, Katie Nicholl; and Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, who will look back at Prince Harry’s childhood. Additionally, the special will feature conversations with other figures from Markle’s past, including schoolmates, co-stars and more.
“Since the early days of the British monarchy, right up to the present, the royal family has captivated the minds and imaginations of people across the globe,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company. “With Meghan Markle on the cusp of becoming a real princess, joining the likes of Princess Kate and the late Princess Diana, this special will give viewers a unique look and insight into her journey, from her upbringing in Southern California to her wedding to Prince Harry in Windsor Castle.”
“MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESSwill provide viewers with the definitive inside story of the most talked-about wedding of the year, packed with exclusive insights into how Meghan and the world’s most famous family will change each other’s lives,” said Daniela Neumann, Managing Director of Spun Gold TV.
“The whole world is fascinated by the Meghan Markle fairytale of marrying into the British royal family,” said Natalka Znak, Founder and President of Znak & Co. “With the access and specialist knowledge of our British partners, Spun Gold, the special promises to reveal details of Meghan’s new royal life that will amaze American audiences.”
MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESS is produced by Spun Gold TV and Znak & Co. Bridget Boseley, Eamon Hardy and Natalka Znak serve as executive producers. Follow the special on Twitter @FOXTV and join the discussion using #AmericanPrincess. Fox Networks Group Content Distribution holds exclusive international distribution rights.
Parisa Fitz-Henley as Meghan Markle and Murray Fraser as Prince Harry in “Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance” (Photo courtesy of Lifetime)
The following is a press release from Lifetime:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A ROYAL WEDDING EVENT AS THE LIFETIME FEATURE HARRY & MEGHAN: A ROYAL ROMANCE HEADS TO THE ALTAR ON MAY 13
Save the date for the Lifetime Feature, Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance premiering Sunday, May 13 at 8pm ET/PT, leading into the real-life wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle later that week.
Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance follows the fairytale romance of Prince Harry (Murray Fraser, The Loch) and Meghan Markle (Parisa Fitz-Henley, Midnight Texas) from the moment they met after being set up by friends, through their initial courtship when they were able to keep their romance under wraps, and ultimately the intense global media attention surrounding their relationship and Meghan’s life as a divorced American actress.
Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance also stars Steve Coulter as Prince Charles, Bonnie Soper as Diana, Burgess Abernethy as Prince William, Laura Mitchell as Kate Middleton, Maggie Sullivun as Queen Elizabeth II, Deborah Ramsay as Camilla Bowles, Preston Jakub Karwat as Prince George and Briella Wintraub as Princess Charlotte. Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance is produced by Crown Productions and Lighthouse Pictures for Lifetime with Merideth Finn and Michele Weiss executive producing. Menhaj Huda directs from a script written by Scarlett Lacey and Terrence Coli.
A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights to Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (Photo by REX/Shutterstock)
The following is a press release from TLC:
TLC CELEBRATES THE ROYAL WEDDING OF MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY WITH TWO DAYS OF SPECIAL PROGRAMMING BEGINNING MAY 18
Royal Wedding Programming Includes Three, One-Hour Documentaries Covering
All Things Meghan and Harry, a Live Feed of the Ceremony, and a Spirited Panel Discussion Led by TLC Wedding and Style Experts
TLC is giving fans a front row seat to the royal event everyone has been waiting for: the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! Beginning Friday, May 18, the day before themomentous occasion,the network will air back-to-back, must-see wedding programming, including three documentaries that delve into everything leading up to their big day – from each of their early lives to the wedding rules of royalty.
The celebration continues Saturday, May 19 at 5:00 a.m. EST/2:00 a.m. PST, with TLC’S ROYAL WEDDING LIVE, a live four-hour feed of the royal wedding, followed by the premiere of TLC’S ROYAL WEDDING REVEALED later that night at 10/9c. The one-hour special, hosted by Shaun Robinson, will feature TLC wedding and style experts Randy Fenoli, Lori Allen, Monte Durham, George Kotsiopoulos and Hayley Paige as they capture all the details surrounding the ceremony, from the guests to the wedding party, Meghan’s dress, the castle, and any last-minute bloopers. TLC’s wedding panelists will also discuss the life that Meghan is about to enter as she begins a new royal chapter with Prince Harry.
Twitter commentary from TLC wedding and style experts Randy Fenoli, Lori Allen, Monte Durham, George Kotsiopoulos and Hayley Paige will be shown on-air during the wedding’s live feed. Join the conversation using #TLCRoyalWedding.
Friday night’s three, one-hour documentaries are produced by the international division of British company ITN Productions. See below for more information:
PRINCE HARRY: WILD NO MORE
On Friday, May 18th at 8/7c, it’s the news the world has been waiting for: Prince Harry is tying the knot and his chosen bride is no royal wallflower. She’s independent, outspoken…and American! This one-hour documentary will chart the royal highs, and some embarrassing lows
in the life of the mischievous little boy who grew up to become a very modern prince charming. How, with Meghan Markle by his side, is Harry set to change the face of the royal family?
MEGHAN MARKLE: A ROYAL LOVE STORY(WT)
On Friday, May 18th at 9/8c, TLC will premiere an hour-long special dedicated exclusively to Meghan Markle, including interviews with her friends, stylists and royal experts about the British Monarchy’s newest member. The special delves into Meghan’s childhood, growing up the only daughter of a mixed-race couple in LA, and her career from trainee diplomat to briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal, to multimillionaire Hollywood actress. MEGHAN MARKLE: A ROYAL LOVE STORY (WT) will also explore the rigorous training she must undergo to transform from actress to princess, the sacrifices she will make to enter this life of duty, and the modern makeover she has single-handedly given to this most famous of royal families.
SECRETS OF THE ROYAL WEDDING
On Friday, May 18th, at 10/9c, TLC will take a look at the whirlwind royal romance that led up to the highly anticipated wedding. Meghan’s walk down the aisle inside a fairytale castle will attract the biggest TV audience of her life. But how will Meghan and Harry make sure their big day feels like their own? The special will go behind-the-scenes to uncover the secrets of the royal wedding and reveal how Meghan and Harry will combine pomp and pageantry with plenty of personal style–and even a little royal rebellion to celebrate their very modern love story.
The following is a press release from NBC:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Wedding Venue, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, U.K. (Photo by REX/Shutterstock)
ALL FOUR HOURS OF NBC NEWS’ ‘TODAY’ HEAD TO WINDSOR FOR ROYAL WEDDING COVERAGE
Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Megyn Kelly and Kathie Lee Gifford will Anchor Their Respective Hours Live from Windsor on Friday, May 18
On Wedding Day: Guthrie and Kotb Co-Anchor ‘TODAY at the Royal Wedding,’ Joined by Kelly, Gifford, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones Beginning at 4:30 AM ET
In Primetime Ahead of Wedding: Guthrie and Kotb Take Viewers Behind the Scenes in ‘Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan’ on Wednesday, May 16
All four hours of NBC News’ TODAY are heading to Windsor to bring the excitement of the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to viewers back home. Ahead of the nuptials, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Megyn Kelly and Kathie Lee Gifford will broadcast their respective hours live from an exclusive location overlooking Windsor Castle on Friday, May 18 (7-11 a.m. ET). Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones will also join TODAY from the United Kingdom.
On Saturday, May 19 (4:30-11 a.m. ET), Guthrie and Kotb will co-anchor “TODAY at the Royal Wedding” from an exclusive vantage point overlooking Windsor Castle where Prince Harry and Markle will emerge as husband and wife. They will be joined by Kelly, Gifford, Roker and Jones from various prime locations. Additionally, there will be a team of NBC News correspondents, including Kelly Cobiella, Rehema Ellis, Stephanie Gosk and Keir Simmons, capturing every facet of the royal wedding and its festivities in and around Windsor and London. The broadcast will also include insight and analysis from royal experts and contributors: Wilfred Frost, co-anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell”; Zanna Roberts Rassi, British fashion expert and senior fashion editor of Marie Claire; Andrew Roberts, British historian; Camilla Tominey, royal editor of Sunday Express; and Ken Wharfe, Princess Diana’s former bodyguard.
NBC News’ Savannah Sellers, co-host of “Stay Tuned” on Snapchat, will cover the royal wedding and anchor the show from London. In addition, TODAY.com will feature original stories and video on the news, style and food aspects of the momentous celebration during the lead-up to the wedding day. NBC News will also cover the event on all digital platforms with original content, video and interactive graphics on a special content hub on NBCNews.com.
As a prelude to the most-talked about wedding of the year, Guthrie and Kotb will host an NBC primetime special, “Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan,” on Wednesday, May 16 at 10 p.m. ET, giving viewers an exclusive and unprecedented glimpse into the fairy-tale romance that has captured the imagination and hearts of everyone around the world. The one-hour broadcast will feature interviews with close friends of the couple, along with prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, sports and show business. Kotb will also report live from Windsor, beginning Thursday, May 17, giving viewers an early peak of the final details and events in the run-up to the royal marriage.NBC will lift the curtain on the most talked-about nuptials of the year with “Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan,” set for Wednesday, May 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Close friends of the couple, who will be guests at the Windsor Castle ceremony and intimate reception, will tell the story of how Harry and Meghan fell in love, their unique courtship and the journey they’ve shared leading to the most modern royal wedding of all time. The special will also feature exclusive interviews with prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, sports and show business.
“Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan” will go behind the scenes to reveal the secrets of what it takes to stage an event on this scale with interviews from those involved in the May ceremony and previous weddings.
These experts will reveal what will happen in the biggest royal wedding since Kate Middleton and Prince William, and a ceremony rich in history and tradition, including rarely seen archival wedding footage. From Meghan’s wedding dress and closely guarded cake and flowers, to the spectacular secrets of the venue itself, St. George’s Chapel, the special will give unique insight into this hugely anticipated event, and what kind of a wedding, and marriage, this will be.
Filmed in Europe, Africa and the U.S., the special will also feature the people who have inspired the pair on their global charity-focused journey, from the motivational stories of Harry’s fellow soldiers injured overseas, to the role models and mentors who have influenced Meghan’s passions and interests.
“Inside the Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan” is produced by ITN Productions with Ian Rumsey serving as executive producer, Rachel Kinnock as producer, and Nathaniel Lippiett as producer and director.
The following is a press release from Fathom Events:
For the First Time Ever, the Royal Wedding Comes to U.S. Movie Theaters for a Commercial-Free Fan Experience on May 19 Only
Fathom Events, BritBox and ITV Bring ‘Harry & Meghan: The Royal Wedding’ – the Only Full, Uninterrupted Broadcast of the Ceremony – to Cinemas Nationwide
The biggest wedding of the year is about to get the big screen treatment, giving royal fans in the U.S. a front row seat to this monumental event. Fathom Events and BritBox, the subscription service from BBC Studios and ITV, bring moviegoers nationwide Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highly-anticipated nuptials, captured live from Windsor Castle in England and presented commercial-free on May 19.
Fathom Events and BritBox will present “Harry & Meghan: The Royal Wedding” in nearly 200 U.S. cinemas on Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. local time, through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of participating theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).“There’s something special about witnessing history unfold,” said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. “We’re thrilled to partner with BritBox to give moviegoers across the country an opportunity to watch one of the most exciting events of the year in a grand, cinematic setting.”
“We are honored to present ‘Harry & Meghan: The Royal Wedding’ to a U.S. audience in such a big way,” said BritBox President Soumya Sriraman. “A Royal wedding has never before been screened in movie theaters, but we believe that an event as monumental as this one is fit for the big screen.”
